Deleting Instances Safely

Overview

Deleting an instance permanently removes it from AgentClaw. This guide explains the deletion process, data retention, and recovery options.

Before You Delete

Important: Consider these alternatives before deleting:

Stop Instead of Delete

• Stops the instance but preserves configuration
• Subscription continues (keeps your slot reserved)
• Can restart anytime instantly
• Best if you might use the instance again

Cancel Subscription

• Cancels billing but keeps instance running temporarily
• Instance runs until end of billing period + 3 days
• Configuration preserved for 30 days
• Best if you want to pause service temporarily
• See cancelling subscription guide

How to Delete an Instance

1. Navigate to your instance details page
2. Click the "Delete Instance" button (usually in the instance header or settings)
3. Read the warning dialog carefully
4. Type the instance name to confirm deletion
5. Click "Delete Permanently"
6. You'll receive a confirmation email

What Gets Deleted

When you delete an instance, the following are removed:

Immediately Deleted

• Running Docker container
• Instance configuration settings
• Environment variables (securely erased)
• Real-time logs and diagnostics
• Access to the instance in your dashboard

Retained Temporarily

• Database backups: 90 days (for disaster recovery)
• Billing records: 7 years (tax compliance)

Never Stored (Can't Be Deleted)

• User messages to/from your bot (not stored by AgentClaw)
• AI provider interactions (stored by OpenAI/Anthropic, not us)

What Happens to Subscription

Deleting an instance does NOT cancel the subscription.

After deletion:

1. You must separately cancel the subscription through Stripe
2. Or the subscription will remain active and continue charging
3. You can create a new instance with the same subscription

To Delete Instance and Cancel Subscription

1. First, cancel subscription via Stripe Customer Portal
2. Then delete the instance from AgentClaw
3. This ensures no future charges

Recovery Options

Can You Recover a Deleted Instance?

No. Instance deletion is permanent and cannot be undone.

However:

• If you contact support within 90 days, we may be able to recover configuration from backups
• This is not guaranteed and depends on backup availability
• Environment variables (API keys) cannot be recovered (security measure)

Best Practice: Export Before Deleting

Before deleting, manually backup:

• Environment variable names (not values - they're encrypted)
• Instance configuration settings
• Subdomain name
• Important log entries (screenshot or copy)

Deleting Multiple Instances

If you have multiple instances:

• Each must be deleted individually
• Each has its own subscription to cancel
• Delete them one at a time to avoid mistakes
• Verify you're deleting the correct instance before confirming

Data Privacy After Deletion

Immediate Secure Erasure

• Environment variables are securely overwritten
• API keys cannot be recovered by anyone (including AgentClaw staff)
• Logs are removed from active storage
• SSH keys are deleted

Backup Retention

Database backups (for disaster recovery) are retained for 90 days, then permanently deleted. These backups:

• Are encrypted at rest
• Cannot be accessed by anyone except for disaster recovery
• Are automatically purged after 90 days

Request Immediate Data Deletion

For immediate complete data deletion (including backups):

1. Email support@agentclaw.app
2. Subject: "Data Deletion Request"
3. Include instance name and confirmation
4. We'll purge all data within 7 business days

Common Deletion Scenarios

Switching to a New Instance

1. Create the new instance first
2. Configure and test the new instance
3. Once satisfied, delete the old instance
4. Cancel old subscription

Temporary Pause

• Don't delete! Just stop the instance instead
• Keeps configuration for easy restart
• Subscription continues but no AI costs

Permanent Shutdown

1. Cancel subscription first (via Stripe)
2. Wait for confirmation email
3. Delete instance from AgentClaw
4. Verify no future charges

Cleaning Up Test Instances

1. Review all instances in dashboard
2. Identify test/unused instances
3. Cancel subscriptions for each
4. Delete instances to clean up dashboard

Deletion Checklist

Before deleting, verify:

• ✓ You're deleting the correct instance (check name/subdomain)
• ✓ You've backed up any important configuration
• ✓ Users are notified if this is a production bot
• ✓ You've cancelled the Stripe subscription
• ✓ You understand deletion is permanent
• ✓ You've considered alternatives (stop vs delete)

After Deletion

Once an instance is deleted:

• It immediately disappears from your dashboard
• The subdomain becomes available for reuse (by anyone)
• Bot stops responding to messages instantly
• You can create a new instance with the same configuration manually
• Check Stripe to ensure subscription was cancelled

FAQ

Will deleting stop my subscription charges?

No. You must separately cancel the subscription through Stripe. Deletion only removes the instance configuration.

Can I reuse the same subdomain?

Maybe. Subdomains become available after deletion, but someone else might claim it first. We can't reserve subdomains.

What happens to messages sent to my bot?

After deletion, messages sent to your bot will not be answered. The bot appears offline/unresponsive.

Can I undo a deletion?

No. Deletion is permanent. Contact support within 90 days for possible partial recovery (config only, not API keys).

Need Help?

If you're unsure about deleting or need assistance:

• Contact support@agentclaw.app
• We can help you understand your options
• Or assist with migration to a new instance

Next Steps

• Learn about cancelling subscriptions
• Understand stopping instances
• Read about creating new instances